Nicolas Tagliafico, the Argentinian defender playing in France, shared thoughts on what could keep Lionel Messi active for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His remarks circulated through social media channels, including posts associated with Inter Miami’s news updates.
Tagliafico said the national team would need to clinch the 2024 America’s Cup to keep Messi engaged with Argentina for another quadrennial cycle. He suggested that Messi’s decision about continuing with the national team hinges on their success in this tournament, noting that if Argentina had not triumphed in Qatar, Messi might have stepped away from international duty. The defender stressed that a victory in 2024 would renew Messi’s motivation and likely influence his future with the squad.
Messi made the jump to Inter Miami in mid-2023 after a long stint with Paris Saint-Germain, where he served as a marquee figure and quickly became captain of the MLS club. He lifted the League Cup in August, marking his first trophy on American soil. Through the first 14 league appearances for Inter Miami, Messi had tallied 11 goals and 5 assists, underscoring his immediate impact in MLS play.
Despite a strong individual season, Inter Miami did not advance to the MLS playoffs at the end of the regular campaign. The team’s effort reflected the competitive balance of the league as it pursues a broader goal of sustained excellence and postseason contention.
Messi’s career highlights include lifting the Ballon d’Or for the eighth time in late October, a recognition that punctuated his status as one of football’s all-time greats. He had previously helped Argentina secure a World Cup title in December 2022, a landmark moment that elevated his legacy beyond club achievements.
Across his long career, Messi left a lasting imprint with Barcelona, collecting a trove of trophies: ten Spanish league titles, four UEFA Champions Leagues, seven Copa del Rey titles, eight Spanish Super Cups, three European Super Cups, and three FIFA Club World Cups. He also had a successful spell with PSG, where he achieved league success in France.
As his time with Inter Miami unfolds, Messi continues to be recognized as the team’s premier performer, a status that mirrors his broader influence on and off the field. The narrative around his tenure in Major League Soccer remains one of immediate impact and continued curiosity about how his presence shapes the club’s ambitions and the league’s growth.